Mr Joel Donovan QC Door Tenant

Practice Areas

Civil

Clinical negligence

Personal injury

Professional negligence

Professional regulation and discipline

Areas of Practice

Joel is a clinical negligence and personal injury specialist. He focuses on high-value High Court cases, typically involving brain damage or serious spinal injury. He has very substantial experience in successful claims resolution, whether through negotiation, mediation, trial or appeal. In the 2012-13 edition of Chambers and Partners, he is rated for both clinical negligence and personal injury. "Highly regarded for his expertise in severe brain, spinal cord and psychiatric injuries", he is also praised for his "thorough advice and a realistic view on difficult issues", "outstanding analytical skills," and "incredible memory." As one solicitor noted, 'if you ring him about a case a year after it's finished he knows exactly what you are talking about." Joel is an experienced teacher of advocacy and is accredited as a lead trainer by Lincoln's Inn. He designs and organises the Personal Injury Bar Association's specialist advocacy course.

W v K and others: 100% approved settlement shortly before liability trial of a claim against GPs for failure to recognise signs of 'sentinel bleeding' prior to a devastating sub-arachnoid haemorrhage. Quantum ongoing.

Hort v Charles Trent Ltd: successful appeal to Mr Justice Eady against refusal of District Judge to allow substitution of a new expert for an expert in whom confidence had been lost.

Sutherland v Turnbull: successful costs application to Mr Justice Stadlen, following disputed interpretation of rule 36.10(2) CPR, after claimant's acceptance of an offer to compensate her for only some of her injuries.